Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Overview
The award-winning Chevrolet Silverado 1500 enters 2009 with long list of brand new features for the new model year, including the addition of an available gas/electric hybrid powertrain to the Silverado 1500 lineup. The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a new V8 option – the 403-hp 6.2-liter V8, a six-speed automatic transmission and a number of worthwhile packages and options such as Bluetooth and a three-month subscription to XM Radio.
The new Silverado 1500 offers three body styles including regular, extended and crew cab, and it shares its basic design with the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500. Two interiors are available for the new 1500, including “luxury inspired” and Base Work Truck (WT), also known as “pure pickup.” The XFE (Xtra Fuel Economy) package comes optional with the new Silverado 1500, offering a 7 percent increase in fuel economy over non-XFE versions.
With a 6.0-liter V8 that pairs with an electric motor, the new 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid has a 332 horsepower total with a maximum towing capacity of 6100 lb. Depending on driving demand, the Silverado 1500 Hybrid can run on one or both of its power sources. With a continuous automatic transmission (CVT), the hybrid requires no plug-in charging.
Due to the Silverado 1500’s capability, comfort, and authenticity in a market flooded with pseudo “trucks” offering less than stellar performance, consumers will certainly appreciate one of the few trucks in this class that’s tough and free from fluff.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Performance
Although rugged, the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is exceptional for everyday driving whether you're cruising down the highway or rolling over bumps through tough terrain. The Chevrolet 1500 has five available engines. The 4.3-liter V6 (195 hp, 260 pound-feet of torque) comes standard on work trucks but it can be upgraded to a 4.8-liter V8 (295 hp, 305 lb-ft) or a 5.3-liter V8 (315 hp, 338 lb-ft). The 6.0-liter V8 (367 hp and 375 lb-ft) or the new 6.2-liter V8 (403 hp and 417 lb-ft) is optional on select models.
On all Silverado pickups the four-speed automatic transmission is standard, while the six-speed automatic transmission is available for all pickups, with the exception of the LS crew cab or V6 and 4.8-liter V8 models. Rear wheel and four-wheel drive options are available with a traditional floor-mounted selector for the transfer case or Autotrac. Autotrac features an automatic setting that shifts into 4WD when wheel slippage is detected.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Body and Interior
The new 2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 is rugged and handsome with several attractive exterior configurations and two downright comfy interior styles. Cab sizes include: a four-door crew cab, the two-door regular cab, and an extended cab. Accessed by two rear-hinged doors, the updated extended cab adds a small rear seat area. All Silverado truck beds are 61.9 inches wide, and consumers have three length options to choose from. The Silverado truck bed is available in short (69.3 inches), standard (78.7 inches), and long (97.6 inches).
Silverado 1500 interior options are among the best for full size pickup trucks. The Base Work Truck (WT) or "Pure Pickup" option features tough materials such as easy to wash rubber floor mats and durable vinyl seats and the "Luxury Inspired" option offers BOSE stereo and soft leather seating. Consumers can customize their Silverado 1500 and select from a number of option packages.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Safety
All 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models come with four-wheel disc anti-lock breaks. Crew Cab models also feature GMs stability control system, StabiliTrak, which monitors vehicle response and driver inputs. This helps the driver retain control of the truck and it also applies brake pressure on individual wheels or reduces the engine’s torque if it detects that the truck is out of control. StabiliTrack is optional on Extended Cab models. The Silverado’s crash protection features are similar to most other vehicles in its class.
Other safety features include: front driver and right-front passenger air bags with passenger sensing system, daytime running lamps, OnStar, remote door unlock, hands-free calling, remote horn and lights, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Options
The Silverado 1500 has a number of options such as 18”-20” wheels, a sunroof, rear park assist, a cargo management system, and several packages. Packages include the Z71 Off-Road Package and the XFE Package. The Z71 Package features skid plates, an off-road suspension, and a locking rear differential while the XFE (extra fuel economy) Package combines a six-speed automatic transmission, lightweight aluminum components, and aerodynamic enhancements to improve fuel economy.
The "EZ lift" tailgate is optional for drivers interested in easy opening and closing of the tailgate, as well as heated power-folding outside mirrors and a stand-alone rear back-up camera. Inside, a navigation system with real-time traffic updates, upgraded audio systems, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system are available.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Price and Value Assessment
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a solid spot at the top of the list when it comes to overall reliability, dependability, and performance in its class. Depending on trim level, competitive pricing for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranges from $18,575 retail/$17,553 invoice to $32,105 retail/$29,376 invoice.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Comparable Vehicles
The new 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a tough act to follow, but there are several new or redesigned models in the class that may come close. These include the Ford F-150 and the Dodge Ram 1500. The GMC Sierra 1500 also added a gas/electric hybrid to the lineup for 2009.